How to Weatherproof Your Asphalt Driveway

Rubber tyres and wet paths are not a good mix. When there is a lack of friction between the wheels and ground, the risk for driveway accidents increases. In West Auckland, a woman shocked the entire neighbourhood after her car rolled down the driveway and smashed through half of her home.

Driveway accidents happen more than we think, especially in moist climates. Weather proofing your driveway can help reduce the impact of adverse weather conditions.

Here are six steps you should follow to weatherproof your driveway:

1. Clean the driveway.

The first thing you should do is to clear the driveway. Remove obstructions that may get in the way of the weatherproofing process. After you have removed any litter from the area to be treated, cover the driveway fixtures with newspaper and rags. Have asphalt contractors address the cracks in your driveway for a smoother finish.

2. Measure the area that needs weatherproofing.

Get a measuring device and take note of the dimensions of your driveway. This way, you can gauge how much solution you will need. Bring your measurements to the hardware store and ask how much sealant is necessary for covering the entire area. Making sure you have a little more than needed is always a good idea.

3. Prepare the solution.

Wear protective garments while preparing the sealant. Make sure to mix the solution outdoors to prevent the odour from spreading throughout the house. Once you have the mixture, you are almost ready. Be sure to read any further instructions on the sealant packaging.

4. Apply the sealant.

Using a roller or spray bottle, apply the sealant onto the concrete. Start from the higher end of a slope and move towards lower areas to avoid uneven application. If a milky white film appears on the concrete, it means the solution is starting to settle. Use rags to remove excess sealant liquid.

5. Leave the Sealant to dry.

Give the sealant a good 24 hours to fully dry. When the treated area fully absorbs the solution, the surface will be dry to the touch, and the white film will disappear from the surface. At this point, it is safe to return all fixtures back to their original position.

You cannot control the weather – that is a fact. What you can do, is prepare for it.